The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced the arrest of several individuals on INTERPOL’s red list at Nigerian airports, crediting the success to improved surveillance and data integration at the nation’s entry points.
Speaking during a regional workshop on “Maritime Border Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea,” held in Lagos on Tuesday, Tunji-Ojo revealed that wanted criminals from countries such as Italy and Ireland were apprehended upon arrival in Nigeria.
“These arrests were made possible due to our recent investments in surveillance and intelligence-gathering technology. Within just 48 hours, we intercepted several individuals who were flagged on the INTERPOL red notice list,” the minister said.
He highlighted the government’s efforts in upgrading Nigeria’s border security systems, noting that airports are now fully integrated with a central data system that allows real-time screening.
“A few years ago, these individuals could have entered Nigeria undetected. But today, thanks to our enhanced border control systems, we’re seeing results. One of the suspects came from Italy, another from Ireland. Now, before passengers land, we already have their full profiles,” he added.
The minister further disclosed that Nigeria has deployed the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system for the first time. This technology enables immigration authorities to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the country, enhancing national security and fulfilling international obligations.
“Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, Nigeria lacked API capabilities. Today, we’re using this tool to query passengers’ backgrounds, travel histories, and possible criminal records. It is a major milestone in our security framework,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
In her remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, emphasized the agency’s role in safeguarding maritime borders. She explained that the service works to prevent foreign terrorist fighters and criminal elements from exploiting Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“Maritime crimes such as piracy, illegal fishing, oil theft, and armed robbery pose significant threats to our national security. The Immigration Service remains committed to ensuring these threats are curbed effectively,” Nandap noted.
